STATIONS OF THE CROSS III: JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

As this drawing suggests, when You fell for the first time beneath the burden of our sin, Lord, it was no friendly or neutral hand that helped You up. Rather kicks, whips and malicious voices spurred You on from without. From within, Your Love burned on, and You were able to trust through the pain, "for the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore HAVE I SET MY FACE LIKE FLINT." (Isaiah 50:7) Although it seemed impossible, You struggled to Your feet to press on towards other fallings and risings, trusting that You would reach the goal. When the collected failures of my past (and even those that are happening now) seem gathered together to laugh at my present efforts, give me a share of the Spirit in which You rose after this fall. May every failure and accomplishment be in the end, by Your transformative power, for our repentance and salvation. We adore You O Christ and We Praise You. For by Your Holy Cross You have Redeemed the World. Amen.